Executive Briefing: The Clash of Classical Scholasticisms
The dispute between the rationalist Mu’tazilites and the traditionalist Ash’arites over the createdness of the Quran, the reality of human free will, and the rational knowability of ethics forged classical Islamic philosophy.
1. Kasb (Acquisition): The Ash’arite Middle Path
Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari formulated the doctrine of Kasb (acquisition), asserting that God creates all human actions as the primary cause, while human beings freely “acquire” moral responsibility for those actions.
2. References
- Frank, R. M. (2008). Classical Islamic Theology: The Ash’arites. Variorum.
- Wolfson, H. A. (1976). The Philosophy of the Kalam. Harvard University Press.